Last verified: October 2026
Can a Broward family pay for educational software & subscriptions with Florida scholarship money?
It depends on the program: Unique Abilities: eligible; PEP: eligible; Private School Scholarship: eligible from leftover funds after tuition. Learning apps, graphics and photo editing software, educational streaming and subscription kits all have a place in the guides.
What are the rules for educational software & subscriptions in 2026-27?
These rules come from Step Up's 2026-27 purchasing guides and its September 16, 2026 summary of changes.
- A subscription kit must be appropriate for the child's age and size.
- Graphics and photo editing software was added to the eligible list.
What is not allowed for educational software & subscriptions?
The items below are excluded or need approval first.
- Gaming subscriptions
- The unprorated part of a family plan
How do Broward families use educational software & subscriptions?
Adaptive math and reading subscriptions are common line items. Check MyScholarShop first, because anything listed there is pre-approved.
How does a Broward family pay for educational software & subscriptions?
Begin with MyScholarShop, where listed items need no further approval, and next try Find Providers in EMA so tutors, therapists and instructors are paid directly. If neither works, pay by card, save the itemized receipt and ask for reimbursement. Something the guides leave out must be approved before you buy it, and requests for 2026-27 approval stop on May 28, 2027.
Which programs allow educational software & subscriptions, and which do not?
Each program treats educational software & subscriptions differently, and the table gives the status for all three.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Eligible | Educational software, subscriptions, subscription kits and digital materials. |
| PEP (home-directed ESA) | Eligible | Same, at single-user prices; family plans are prorated. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Eligible from leftover funds after tuition | Allowed from leftover funds. |
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Based on the FES-UA Purchasing Guide (FCSUA and Step Up For Students) and the PEP Purchasing Guide for 2026-27, plus Step Up's "Program Handbooks and Purchasing Guides: Summary of Changes" dated September 16, 2026. Treat this as a plain-language summary and not legal advice, since the handbook of your funding organization governs.